Francisco and Jacinta Close to Sainthood Declaration

Pope Francis expected to canonize seers in visit to Fatima

March 24, 2017

The Holy See has announced that Blesseds Francisco and Jacinta Marto have been credited with a miracle needed to move their cause for sainthood to its conclusion. There is speculation the canonization may be done this coming May 13, when the Pope visits Fatima to mark the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions.

John Paul II removed the impediment to their causes when he resolved the doubts of some theologians about whether children so young — Jacinta died at 10 and Francisco at 9 — were capable of the heroic virtues required for canonization. Sister Lucy, the third Fatima seer, died in 2005 at the age of 97 and her cause has also been introduced.

We must all pray that this development, welcome as it is, will bring with it a new recognition of the meaning and urgency of the Message of Fatima. It is wonderful that the Pope should canonize these two beautiful souls whose lives have inspired so many, but it would be incomparably more wonderful if the Pope, along with the bishops, were to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Perhaps, this canonization will be the impetus for the consecration that we have so long hoped and prayed for. If all of us join together to implore the intercession of these two holy children, chosen by Heaven to receive the most important message of our time, perhaps the world and the Church can be spared the terrible suffering that appears imminent.

So, let us rejoice in this happy news. But let us also intensify our efforts, through prayer and sacrifice, to hasten Our Lady’s Triumph.